It’s no secret that the Twin Cities are a great place to own a bike. Our residents bike for sport, leisure, exercise, and many even bike as their main form of transportation, with the number of bike commuters growing each year.

A great opportunity to get out on that bike for leisure and education is happening this summer. Even though the summer is winding down, there are still four more chances to Bike With A Ranger, an organized ride at one of the specified locations along the Mississippi River. Bike With A Ranger is an excellent way to get some fresh air and exercise for both the body and the brain, learning about human and natural history along the scenic river.

This great opportunity is brought to you by the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area and happens every Saturday through the end of September, so you still have four more chances to participate. Participants should arrive at 9:45am to get your registration packet and get ready. The ride starts at 10am sharp and lasts till around 1pm. Routes are from eight to 14 miles in length and end where they begin. You have to pre-register, so that you can get your packet, get ready and go when it’s time.

A limited number of loaner bikes are available to those who would like to participate, but don’t have a bike. Just reserve a bike when you pre-register and you should be set.

Tomorrow’s ride (Saturday September 4th) is called On The Waterfront and begins and ends at Harriet island in St. Paul. This is a nine-mile ride on trails upriver to explore the history, geology, watersheds and parks along the river’s banks. Meet at the pavilion (pictured) at 9:45 and get ready to roll.

It’s free to participate, but you have to register. Call the Mississippi River Visitor Center at (651) 293-0200 to make your reservation. There is a limit of 20 riders per ride, so make sure you reserve your spot.

Other upcoming rides include Minneapolis Riverfront, on September 11th. This is a 10-mile ride that starts at Matthews Park’s parking lot off of 28th Avenue.

September 18th is River at The Dam, also a 10-mile ride that starts at Coon Rapids Dam East in Coon Rapids. This one requires a $5 vehicle fee if you drive there, but is free if you arrive on your bike.

The final ride of the season is A Confluence of Rivers and Peoples on September 25th. This ride takes routes that vary from eight to 14 miles. Meet at Base Camp near Historic Fort Snelling at 9:45.

All ride locations have free parking unless otherwise noted.

For more information, call the Mississippi River Visitor Center at (651) 293-0200, or visit www.nps.gov/miss/planyourvisit/bike.

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